Scam text guides

Clear, calm and jargon free. For you, and for explaining it to your mom or dad.

• The "unpaid toll" text scam E-ZPass, SunPass and FasTrak do not text you a link to pay a few dollars. The most common scam text in the US right now. How to spot it and what to do.
• The USPS package fee scam USPS never texts you for a small fee to release a package. The tiny charge that is really after your card. Signs and steps.
• The fake bank text "Your account is locked", or a Zelle payment you did not authorize. How to spot the fake Chase, Bank of America or Wells Fargo alert and what to do if you tapped it.
• The "easy online job" text scam A stranger offers flexible remote work, pays you a little, then asks you to deposit your own money to keep earning. The task trap, explained.
• The "Hi Mom" and family emergency scam A stranger pretends to be your kid or grandkid, then asks for money. The one check that stops it cold.
• You already clicked a scam link Breathe. What matters is what you typed next. Calm steps, in order.
• How SMS scam gangs actually operate The same script runs in the US, the UK, Mexico, Brazil and Portugal. Why it feels personal and never is.